PET OWNERSHIP AND CHILDRENS SOCIOEMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

This study investigates the relationship between pet-ownership (dogs, cats, small furry animals, birds) and emotional and social well-being of children. The sample comprises 426 primary school children (4th grade). Controlvariables are ''gender'', ''family size'', ''housing conditions'', ''maternal support'' and ''pet ownership status'' as well as ''care taking'' and ''emotional interactions with the pet''. The results show that living with pets correlates slightly with childrens' social well-being but not with their emotional stability. This effect is moderated by the quality of maternal support and has to be specified for the different pet species. The discussion stresses the importance of variables which moderate the outcome of the pet-child-interaction. Further longitudinal research is needed to clarify the cause-effect relationship.